The End Of An Era For Saint Laurent

After a decade as creative director, Anthony Vaccarello is leaving Saint Laurent, marking the end of a significant chapter for the French fashion house. The departure was announced by parent company Kering on October 9, 2026.

Since joining in 2016, Vaccarello has helped shape Saint Laurent into one of the most recognisable names in luxury fashion, known for its sharp tailoring, dark colour palettes and confident aesthetic.

Now, with a new creative director expected to be announced soon, attention is turning toward what this change could mean for the future of the brand.

Before taking over Saint Laurent, Vaccarello had already made a name for himself in the fashion industry. The Belgian designer launched his own label before becoming creative director of Versus Versace in 2015; just one year later, he was appointed to lead Saint Laurent with some big shoes to fill following Hedi Slimane.

Taking over such an established house was no small task, but Vaccarello managed to make this role his own. Rather than completely changing the brand’s identity, he built on its existing foundations, bringing a modern approach to the house’s signature Parisian style.

His collections became known for their strong silhouettes, leather pieces, high-cut designs, and eveningwear, creating a look that felt both luxurious and rebellious.

His garments combined classic tailoring with a more daring approach to dressing, bringing together structured jackets with sheer fabrics and dramatic gowns. His runway shows have also become a major part of the brand’s image, with the glimmering Eiffel Tower providing a memorable backdrop for several Paris Fashion Week shows.

His final goodbye was shown in September for the spring/summer 2027 collection. Featuring rich gold-toned designs and dramatic silhouettes. This collection is now marked as Vaccarello’s final chapter at the fashion house.

Beyond the runway, he has helped expand Saint Laurent’s presence in film through Saint Laurent Productions, launched in 2023. His time at the brand has therefore been about more than clothes, expanding his influence into wider fashion and culture too.

While Vaccarello’s departure marks creative change, it also comes at an important time for Kering. Saint Laurent’s annual sales exceeded €3 billion in 2023, but the brand has faced declining revenue ever since as the wider luxury market has slowed down.

This has placed pressure on major fashion groups to rethink how their brands attract customers and maintain growth. Although Kering has not said that financial performance was the reason for Vaccarello’s departure, the timing adds another layer to this story.

With his departure confirmed, the next question is who will take over one of fashion’s most influential creative roles. Kering has said that Saint Laurent’s new creative leader will be announced soon; as of now, the new successor remains unconfirmed.

Whoever takes the position will have the challenging task of bringing something new to the brand without losing what makes it distinctive. A change in creative direction can bring fresh attention to new ideas, but it can also risk moving a house too far away from the identity its customers recognise. Expectations will be high for whoever steps into Vaccarello’s place.

Who would you like to see take over at Saint Laurent, and what would you want to see from them as creative director? Leave a comment below.